How is menopause different from perimenopause?

Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, marked by hormonal changes and symptoms, but periods may still occur.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when a woman’s hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, start to fluctuate. It can begin in your 40s, and symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

Can perimenopause symptoms be managed?

Yes. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, balanced diet, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene, can help. Some women may benefit from hormone therapy or non-hormonal treatments—always consult your gynecologist for personalized care.

Perimenopause vs Menopause: When to See a Doctor in Loudoun County

Many women know what menopause is, but fewer realize that these changes actually begin during a phase known as perimenopause. This transition can be quite confusing, especially because symptoms can appear long before your periods stop completely.

Understanding the difference empowers you to better understand what’s happening with your body.

Keep reading to learn more about perimenopause vs menopause and when you should see a doctor in Loudoun County.

Perimenopause vs Menopause: What You Need to Know

While the names are similar, there are noticeable differences between perimenopause vs menopause.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. It usually starts when a woman enters her 40s, though it can begin earlier for some.

During this phase, estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate, which throws your hormones, and your body, off balance.

Perimenopause causes symptoms like:

Irregular or heavier periods
Mood swings or anxiety
Hot flashes and night sweats
Trouble sleeping
Vaginal dryness
Decreased libido

If these symptoms start affecting your daily life, it’s worth discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider.

On the other hand, menopause officially begins when you’ve gone twelve consecutive months without a period. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped producing estrogen, which can lead to more severe symptoms.

This hormonal change also puts women at an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, so regular checkups are essential.

When to See a Doctor in Loudoun County

Now that you know more about perimenopause vs menopause, you may be wondering when to seek professional medical care.

You should consult with a doctor if you’re experiencing severe mood swings, extremely heavy periods, hot flashes or night sweats that disrupt sleep, and if sex becomes painful due to discomfort or dryness.

Your provider will run hormone tests, rule out other potential conditions, and recommend treatments like bio-identical hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and non-hormonal options.

Take Control of Your Menopause Journey

Don’t go another day letting menopause symptoms chip away at your quality of life.

For treatment you can trust, come to Tyson’s Gynecology.

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